Trafalgar Travel has launched a new programme, ‘Trafalgar Trailblazers’, offering agents early access to new itineraries before they go on general sale.
The initiative is designed to give agents first-hand experience of new tours and travel styles, while feeding back insights to help shape product development.
Applications are now open until 31 July for UK agents to take part in the first Trailblazers trip – a small group tour to China, with selected agents notified in the week commencing 10 August.
In total, there are 14 agent places available, including two spots reserved for UK and Ireland agents.
Participants will receive a free single room and flights on the operator’s ‘Best of China (with Yangtze Cruise)’ itinerary.
The seven-day tour, departing 24 October, includes visits to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, with highlights such as the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the Forbidden City. It also features a ‘Be My Guest’ lunch with a local family in Beijing and a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Trafalgar said the programme provides ongoing professional development for agents, starting with small group tours and expanding alongside future product launches.
Agents can apply by completing a questionnaire, with responses assessed by the TTC team. Participants will be expected to share their experience with clients and the trade, including via social media.
TTC Tour Brands Managing Director Kelly Jackson said: “Travel agents are at the heart of our business. They understand what inspires today’s travellers, the questions they ask and the experiences that create lifelong memories.
“Trafalgar Trailblazers is about bringing our agent partners into the journey even earlier, giving them exclusive access to experience new itineraries before they launch, share valuable insights from the front line and return with the confidence and first-hand knowledge to inspire their clients.
“It’s a genuine partnership that strengthens our products, supports our agents and ultimately delivers even better experiences for our guests.
“This is just the beginning for Trafalgar Trailblazers. We’re continuing to invest in new and exciting products that guests want to book, and agents can confidently sell, from Small Group Tours to river cruises with much more on the horizon. This programme will grow right alongside that innovation giving agents an inside look into it all.”